The racing world is gearing up for a significant shift with the upcoming release of NASCAR 25, set to launch on October 14, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC release via Steam on November 11, 2025. Developed by iRacing Studios, the game promises to deliver an authentic racing experience, featuring all four National NASCAR Series: Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Menards. With laser-scanned tracks and car models, players can expect a level of realism previously unseen in NASCAR video games.

In recent years, NASCAR gaming has evolved significantly. NASCAR Heat 5 provided a familiar arcade-style racing experience, but it faced criticism for its lack of realism and technical issues. NASCAR Rivals, aimed at the Nintendo Switch, offered a more accessible experience but was limited in depth and features. However, this time, with iRacing taking the helm to develop the game, NASCAR 25 promised a more authentic simulation, leveraging iRacing’s expertise in motorsport simulation.

But, despite the usual positive feedback, some fans have expressed some serious concerns about the game’s realism. One fan commented, “As much as I want NASCAR 25 to be realistic, I really hope it doesn’t actually race like the Next Gen. The last thing I want to do after a long day of work is get aero-blocked by William Byron for 20 laps.” 

The sentiment reflects a desire for a balance between realism and enjoyable gameplay. Fans are hoping that the game captures the thrill of NASCAR racing without replicating the frustrations of real-life aero-blocking.

NASCAR 25 is set to offer a variety of gameplay modes to cater to different player preferences. The career mode allows players to start in the ARCA Menards Series and work their way up through the ranks, managing team dynamics and upgrading car components along the way.

Additionally, the game will feature single-race models, online multiplayer, and season modes, providing a comprehensive NASCAR experience. The inclusion of all four national series adds depth and variety, allowing players to experience the full spectrum of NASCAR racing.

As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the game’s launch. The official NASCAR 25 website has been actively engaging with the community, sharing updates and teasers to build excitement. But fans can’t help but raise an alarm over the swirling rumors.

Fans weigh in on NASCAR 25’s Next Gen realism and gameplay frustrations

One fan wrote, “Looking at the videos, I didnt see any bubble issues or getting tight in dirty air. If they were smart, theyd just make it look like Gen 7 but race like Gen 4.” The concern is that if the game’s physics are too closely aligned with the current Next Gen cars, players might encounter frustratingly tight handling and difficulty in overtaking, mirroring real-world challenges faced by drivers.

Another fan added, “Maybe gamers experiencing how much worse the Cup car is than anything else will result in enough negative feedback that it finally gets a meaningful change.” Players have observed that the Cup Series cars in the game exhibit handling traits that are less forgiving compared to their counterparts in other series, leading to a perception that they are more challenging to control.

Fans have noted the game’s realistic handling characteristics, particularly the distinction between tight and loose conditions, writing, “The car looks tight so ir definitely more so driving right front over right rear. Xfinity car looks way looser.” Comparing this to previous NASCAR games, such as the NASCAR Heat series, NASCAR 25 appears to offer a more authentic driving experience.

Another fan sarcastically commented, “Could be worse, could be stuck behind Logano,” underscoring the widespread frustration with Joey Logano’s aggressive racing style. This sentiment resonates with real-world experiences, such as the 2022 Cup Series race at Martinsville, in the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400, where drivers like William Byron and Joey Logano engaged in a prolonged battle for position, showcasing the difficulty of passing in the current car package.

Some fans’ sardonic remark: “iRacing next gen races like s–t where the next gen is s–t. The super speedway racing is rough,” captures the frustration many sim racers feel with the current state of superspeedway racing in iRacing’s Next Gen cars. While Next Gen cars have introduced a more realistic draft model, including stronger side-drafting and a more pronounced bubble effect, these features have not necessarily translated into better racing experiences. Now, every fan hopes NASCAR 25 doesn’t turn out the same way.

Such feedback underscored the importance of balancing realism with playability to ensure an enjoyable experience.